FY27: Paraeducator Level III, Special Education (SCB), Wheaton HS, 6hr/10mo, Ad closes 8/27/26

About the Role

At the direction of the principal, this paraeducator performs a variety of tasks that promote student learning and well-being to support students with Individualized Education Programs (IEP). The paraeducator may assist students with academic, behavioral, social, emotional, and physical support needs, including personal care and medical assistance. The role may involve working with students who display physical and/or verbal aggression and participating in off-campus learning activities. The focus is on facilitating student mastery of grade-level curriculum or Alternate Academic Achievement Standards, typically in specialized instructional settings.

This position also includes instructional and classroom management support, as well as clerical tasks to assist teachers and professional staff. All new paraeducators are hired at a grade 17 and may promote to grade 18 after completing a six-month probationary period and required training hours.

Responsibilities

• Support students with IEP goals in academic, behavioral, social, emotional, and physical domains.
• Assist with personal care and medical needs of students.
• Manage and de-escalate situations involving physical or verbal aggression.
• Participate in off-campus learning activities with students.
• Facilitate student mastery of grade-level curriculum or Alternate Academic Achievement Standards.
• Provide instructional and classroom management support to teachers and staff.
• Perform clerical tasks to support classroom operations.
• Continue planned instructional activities during a teacher’s temporary absence.
• Complete specialized training (provided by MCPS) within 6 months of starting.

Physical Demands

• Frequent bending, walking, kneeling, running, and lifting of objects/equipment up to 50 pounds.
• Outside duty may be required.
• Ability to accommodate flexible scheduling, change of location, and/or program as needed.

Requirements

• Knowledge of child development, instructional strategies, and MCPS policies.
• Ability to assist with instructional programs and monitor student behavior.
• Patience and effectiveness in working with children, young adults, and staff.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and perform required tasks.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to interact with and support students with special needs.
• Proficiency with standard computer hardware/software (e.g., Google Workspace, MS Office, web-based tools).
• Ability to quickly learn and meet the seven core competencies of the Supporting Services Professional Growth System (SSPGS).

Qualifications

One of the following combinations of education and experience is required:

• Preferred: Associate’s degree (Bachelor’s preferred) with at least nine credit-hours in education-related fields (e.g., behavior management, instructional strategies). One year of experience working with students in structured educational settings.
• If no related coursework: Two to four years of experience working with children/adolescents in structured settings (e.g., daycare, preschool).
• At least 48 college credits and two years of experience in a structured setting (e.g., daycare, preschool, after-school programs).
• Two years of experience in a structured setting and successful completion of the ParaPro Assessment with a score of 455 or higher.
• Any combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Pay

The wage range for this position is $28.57 to $44.10 per hour, based on years of service.

Schedule

• Part-time, working 10 months per year.
• Day shift.

Benefits

For information about benefits, visit this link.